James Byrd

James "Jimmy" Robert Byrd, age 89, passed away on February 11, 2017, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Jimmy was born on a farm in Basin, MS and the family moved to Gulfport in 1934. Jimmy joined the Navy at 16 years old and served the last two years in World War II on a Navy Oil Tanker and he was discharged August 12, 1946. He owned Byrd's Texaco on Highway 90 in Mississippi City in the early 1960's until Hurricane Camille destroyed the station. He then went to work for Master Management of Biloxi for 18 years as a supervisor over 15 Gulf stations and convenience stores. He was a member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 for 37 years and the Gulfport Elks Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ernest P. and Cora Mae Byrd; 2 sisters, Mary Martinolich and Wyndle Byrd; a brother, Charles Tinsley Byrd; and a daughter, Charlice Garner.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dolores Byrd; 2 daughters, Trena (John) Wyatt and Debbie (Lee) Turner; a son, Steve Byrd; a step-daughter, Janet (John) Erickson; 2 grandchildren, Conner and Alexa Smith that were the light of his life and numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one niece, Valerie (Tony) Lacy-Straub that was very special to him and other nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, from 10 - 11 am at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com